The Missing Witness by Allison Brennan

When a key witness goes missing, Quinn & Costa must find her before a killer silences her for good… Detective Kara Quinn is back in Los Angeles to testify against a notorious human trafficker, finally moving past the case that upended her life. But when the accused is shot in broad daylight, the chaotic scene of the crime turns up few reliable bystanders. And one witness—a whistleblower who might be the key to everything—has disappeared. After another person close to the case is killed, it’s clear that anyone who knows too much is in danger, and tracking down the witness becomes a matter of life-and-death. But as explosive secrets surface within the LAPD and FBI, Kara questions everything she thought she knew about the case, her colleagues and the life she left behind months ago. Now with FBI special agent Matt Costa’s help, she must race to find the missing witness and get to the bottom of the avalanche of conspiracies that has rocked LA to its core…before it's too late.

All Too Real. Despite what some may claim about the problems of the Homeless Industrial Complex not existing in the real world, When We Walk By by Kevin Adler and Donald Burnes - released just 10 weeks or so before the publication of this book and so far as I can see, never read by Brennan as she was doing her research for this book - shows all too well just how much these kinds of things actually do exist.

Now, as with all *fictional* tales, Brennan has clearly taken a *few* liberties - no one is making any claims about the "real" world LA here, ultimately this is truly a fictional tale set in an alternate world very similar yet not completely identical to our own. Though the corruption in this particular version of LA and the multiple murders being investigated through the course of this book tied to that corruption... eh, I'm sure the citizens of that LA were wishing they had a particular dude styling himself after a small flying rodent whipping around their town.

Instead, they get Kara Quinn. And let's face it, with her "irregular" investigative methods and keen detective abilities... Kara Quinn may at minimum prove she could be a reliable partner for that other dude. Here, her skills are both throttled at times and allowed to bloom into their full wonder at other times, all while the other members of the team she works with - Matt Costa's FBI unit - each prove to be equally capable supporting members in their own ways.

Ultimately this is truly a fictional crime thriller, and Brennan as usual shows just how great she is at weaving tales that are clearly fictional, yet all too real. Does she get a touch preachy at times? Perhaps for some, though it was never truly heavy handed enough for me to deduct a star over or truly even mention here other than this very "your mileage may vary" kind of statement. The rest of the action is well paced, the mystery is complex with quite a few moving parts, and just when you think you may have everything figured out... well, it turns out you probably don't know quite *everything*.

It will be interesting to see where Brennan takes this series next, assuming she does, given how this particular tale ends - and I very much look forward to finding out what may be next. Very much recommended.

Well Researched and Wonderfully Written

I must express my renewed admiration for Allison Brennan, as I found myself thoroughly enjoying “The Missing Witness.” Being a long-time fan who has sporadically delved into her works, this novel, the 5th installment in the Quinn & Costa series, proved to be a delightful one-day read. Despite not having read the preceding books, the narrative was engaging, and any missed backstory only heightened my eagerness to explore the series from the beginning – I've already acquired the first book.

The storyline revolves around a gripping case of human trafficking, where the accused meets a tragic end, and the key witness vanishes. While the plot is undeniably compelling, what truly captivated me was the poignant opening. Allison Brennan skillfully portrays the harsh realities of homelessness and drug addiction, delivering a narrative that feels uncomfortably real. This raw depiction resonated deeply, drawing me into the story with an authentic and impactful touch.

I extend my gratitude to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley for granting me access to an eARC of “The Missing Witness.” The experience was both enlightening and enjoyable, reaffirming my appreciation for Allison Brennan's storytelling prowess.